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zipper alternative suggestions for a zipper alternative
janks2 Member since 9/15/09 Posts: 3	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/25/13 10:15 AM i want to make some adorable little girls skirt...however they have an invisible zipper in the back that for some reason i don't like.... i would love suggestions for alternatives....all i can think of is to put small buttons....but would love some way that it would be easier for a little girl to fasten herself
Kathi R   Intermediate USA Member since 2/28/05 Posts: 2052 PR Weekend Volunteer	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/25/13 12:11 PM Buttons will work, but if you want to make it easier for a little one to dress herself, put the buttons in the front. How about an elastic waistband? ------ 2012 : starting stash 386, net additions 206, used 164, ending stash 428
DonnaH Intermediate TX Member since 10/1/03 Posts: 478	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/25/13 2:22 PM I agree that the elastic waistband (or partial waistband - maybe just in the back) will be the easiest for the girl to put on herself. Another possibility is velcro - just a thin strip or dots, or depending on ho loose the skirt is/how short the zipper, you might get away with extending the waist band so it overlaps, and just putting one closure there (with sort of a hidden keyhole opening in the skirt). It could be a button, piece of velcro, or even a large hook/eye. If you use a button or hook, make sure it's big enough for her to manipulate. Some kids don't develop small motor skills (good enough for tiny fasteners) until 8 or 10.
solosmocker Advanced NY USA Member since 1/23/06 Posts: 1265	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/25/13 4:26 PM You've got some great suggestions here. I think it depends on the style of skirt. If it's dirndl, the elastic waist would be perfect. If it's an A line I would do a hidden placket with clear flat buttons or some velcro dots . ------ http://lasewist.blogspot.com/
Lindy Ann   Advanced KS USA Member since 1/26/12 Posts: 53	Login to reply to this post In reply to janks2 << 3 members like this. Date: 1/25/13 6:52 PM My favorite solution (for my own clothes too) is a placket hidden in a side pocket. You need to have side seam and a waistband to do this. It's easier if the pattern comes with side seam pockets, but you can always draft your own pockets and add them. For a loose-fitting skirt, I just sew only the bottom and a little up the side to join the pocket and pocket facing, for the left pocket. This leaves an opening about the same length as a zipper opening would be. Then attach the waistband to the skirt. The back end of the waistband continues around to the front over the pocket piece (the one that is attached to the back of the skirt.) In front the waistband covers the pocket facing. Then just fasten with 1 or 2 buttons. This same idea works great in pants. I prefer it to a fly front opening. Sandra Betzina has a similar technique (really simple but hard to describe) for putting a zipper in a side pocket. It's completely hidden, and will work well even with snug fitting pants. But my favorite is the no-zipper-at-all hidden opening in a side pocket. You will need to cut the waistband longer than the pattern. It is possible to combine this with elastic in the back waistband. Just cut 3 pieces of waistband, 1 front, 1 back, and 1 short piece for the under layer of the pocket.
HDWen   Advanced Beginner AZ USA Member since 12/26/11 Posts: 1240	Login to reply to this post In reply to janks2 << Like this post Date: 1/25/13 8:31 PM Quote: janks2 i want to make some adorable little girls skirt...however they have an invisible zipper in the back that for some reason i don't like.... i would love suggestions for alternatives....all i can think of is to put small buttons....but would love some way that it would be easier for a little girl to fasten herself Love all the suggestions! Also what about a string tie inside - if she can tie her shoes she can tie and tighten the waistband... and it will let her grow a bit before getting to big to wear HTH's :-Debbie ------ I have great enthusium for sewing, but lack talent to be great. 2013
SandiMacD   Intermediate FL USA Member since 2/8/09 Posts: 1055	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/29/13 9:30 PM I just thought about using the plastic snap strips to sew into the placket. I am wondering if you could actually use the snap strips themselves by sewing the edge to a seam to form a placket of sorts at on side. ------ re-living my youth through sewing...
allorache Advanced Beginner OR USA Member since 12/10/11 Posts: 74	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/3/13 5:33 PM I have avoided learning zippers for far too long by using a snap press and plastic snaps. I love them, so easy. I got the press and get the snaps at kamsnaps.com ------ Now a Babylock girl almost all the way - Ellegante 3, Evolution, and Melody. Plus a Sailrite LSZ-1 for those heavy duty projects

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